Background:
The current plan was adopted in 2002. Most communities try to revise their parks master plans about every 10 years. The effort to develop a new Comprehensive Parks Plan started in 2011, but was slowed in order to allow the Chapel Hill 2020 process to mature and provide guidance on the substance of the Comprehensive Parks Plan. The current draft was completed in September 2012.

The major themes of the plan are intended to present a clear understanding of the current condition of the Town's park system, suggest improvements, and present options for attaining the goals outlined in the plan.

Fiscal Note:
The total estimated cost for implementation of the Comprehensive Parks Plan is about $39,545,000 over a 10 year period. We recommend that the Council adopt the master plan and then develop a strategic financial plan that would include the following components:

An estimation of the level of capital spending that can be supported over the next decade.

A prioritization of projects based on affordability and capacity, consistent with Council's program budget priorities.

A funding schedule for high priority projects.

Findings of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan.

The long term costs of maintenance and utilities, especially for any new facilities.

The development of a strategic financial plan for park improvements would be an important preliminary step toward the implementation of a parks development plan.

Recommendations:
That the Council recess the public hearing until April 22, 2013 after receiving comments.